For more than a century, 4-H has supported leadership and personal development for young people to help them achieve their fullest potential. We live our motto every day: “To make the best better.” To do this, we must ensure equity for both our staff and the youth we serve. With your participation, we will create the organizational changes needed to eliminate racism and inequality that exist in our programs.

In the words of the late Representative John Lewis, “When you see something that is not right, not just, not fair, you have a moral obligation to say something. To do something. Our children and their children will ask us, ‘What did you do? What did you say?'" To this end, we offer our hearts, hands, head and health in the service of eliminating structural racism from every aspect of our organization. We invite you to join us in this process of self-reflection and transformation. (Para ver esto en español, haga clic aquí.)

We are honored to continue to play a role in the growth of the 4-H program for youth development through programs, relationships, and community partnerships that promote racial justice and equity. We stand with both National 4-H Council and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones in their commitment to addressing racism and social injustice.

Illinois 4-H DEIA Initiative

Bold, clear summary of the driving force behind the Illinois 4-H commitment to drive organizational change to better support all Illinois youth.

National 4-H: Opportunity 4 All

National campaign that pledges to eliminate inequities for kids and help them get equal access to resources they need to thrive.

Illinois 4-H Real Talk

Candid reflections on the experiences of racism which our Black and Latina staff have had during their tenure with 4-H.

The 4-H DEIA Initiative

The Illinois 4-H Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative is aligned with the National 4-H campaign, Opportunity4All, which pledges to eliminate inequities for kids and help them get equal access to resources they need to thrive. Key points of the national campaign include:

  • Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.
  • The gap between kids is only getting wider and is largely aligned by race, family income, and where they live. The impact reveals itself as unequal access to education, technology, nutritious foods, and inspiring mentors. 
  • Young people will judge us not by the promises we make, but by the promises we keep. It’s time we provide opportunity for all kids.